Going into “Guardians of the Galaxy,” it seemed clear that a fresh, funny and exciting experience awaited. Upon exiting, the extent to which that promise is fulfilled feels a little shocking even to those who looked toward its late summer release as a beacon of cinematic cheer.

Neck-and-neck with “22 Jump Street” as the year’s best comedy to date, James Gunn’s adaptation of the titular ragtag group of comic book heroes stands apart from its Marvel Studios peers by undercutting typical genre scenarios with humor and creative action.

Surpassing “The Avengers” in the smart-gags-during-big-scenes department, the film’s comedy is an integral part of the fights and battles and something that gradually comes about naturally as the quintet become a cohesive unit.

When the central protagonist is Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), a raider in Rocketeer garb who gears up for missions by listening to his cassette mix of ’70s rock/pop on his trusty Walkman, such ends are for the most part expected.

When his reluctant companions include the duo of a weapons expert who happens to be a genetically modified raccoon named Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and giant walking tree Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel, likely his finest hour), fun is all but guaranteed.

Green-toned living weapon Gamora (Zoe Saldana) seems primarily present to bust up what would otherwise be a boys club, but factor in muscly warrior Drax (Dave Bautista), whose literal interpretations are a recipe for comedic gold when mixed with smart asses like Rocket and Quill, and the entertainment zips in from all sides in near non-stop fashion.

What exactly the characters are doing in the service of these thrills, however, is a little more problematic. For all its inventiveness, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is still a fairly standard big-budget action extravaganza with a familiar plot that finds the misfits attempting to prevent the naughty Ronan (an unrecognizable Lee Pace) from using a mysterious orb to destroy innocent planets.

A slow opening scene and borderline cringeworthy moments when the Guardians speak about what’s in their hearts don’t help, and though the casting of Glenn Close, John C. Reilly, Benicio Del Toro and Djimon Hounsou in minor supporting roles elevates the overall cast pedigree, none of them are given much to do. Also, jaw-dropping as the final showdown may be, do we really need another high-flying set piece of urban destruction?

With all the interspersed laughs and eye candy (both from the special effects and makeup departments), much of these largely necessary evils are forgivable. For 2014 releases, Gunn’s film isn’t on the level of “X-Men: Days of Future Past” in terms of storytelling and emotional investment, but in thinking outside of the comic book box, it’s a close second.

Grade: B-plus. Rated PG-13. Playing at Biltmore Grande, Carmike and the Carolina Asheville.